George Sullivan timeline

Jan. 2, 1982: Sullivan leaves mayor's office at age 59 with the inauguration of his successor, Tony Knowles.

Jan. 19, 1982: Anchorage Assembly resolves "that the Commission on Salaries and Emoluments be requested to consider directing that life insurance coverage be provided to former Mayor George M. Sullivan for the remainder of his life and with the same coverage as in existence on Jan. 1, 1982." According to minutes, the Assembly member making the proposal said he felt Sullivan's insurance should be continued because he had triple bypass surgery and "was probably unable to pass the physical to qualify for private insurance."

Feb. 24, 1982: The Salary and Emoluments Commission resolves that the municipality "shall provide life insurance coverage to former Anchorage Mayor George M. Sullivan at the remainder of his life at the same rate and with the same coverage as in existence on January 1, 1982." The commission said Sullivan would bear the cost of providing the coverage.

October 1982: George Sullivan's accrued leave runs out, formally ending his time as a city employee.

January 2002: Deputy Employee Relations Director Karen Moore is confused when George Sullivan's son, Dan, comes to the city to pay the annual premium. She checks with the city's insurance carrier, which says it has no policy on Sullivan and wouldn't cover him anyway because its agreement was only for active city employees.

March 2002: After internal discussions among officials in the administration of Mayor George Wuerch, then-City Attorney Bill Greene concludes "there is no option to not provide the coverage. The decision is made to allow the Sullivan family to continue paying premiums to the city, with the city to then cover the $193,000 payout after his death.

Sept. 23, 2009: George Sullivan dies at home from complications of lung cancer at the age of 87.

Feb. 2, 2010: The administration of Mayor Dan Sullivan requests the Assembly appropriate $193,000 from the city general fund to the George M. Sullivan Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust.

Feb. 16, 2010: The Assembly appropriates $193,000 to the George M. Sullivan Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust.